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The New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) supports a statewide network of 41 Independent Living Centers helping people with disabilities access housing, advocacy, employment support, community living resources, and more.
This month:
- Advocacy updates on Olmstead, Medicaid, and community-based services
- Disability Pride Month and ADA anniversary events across New York
- A breakdown of the ADA’s five titles
- Our upcoming webinar on accessible outdoor recreation
- News and highlights from across the Independent Living network
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End of Session Updates
The State Legislature left Albany for the year at the beginning of June. Though everything did not go as we hoped, we managed to secure a few wins thanks to the advocacy efforts of our members. Check out our full end-of-session update here.
Home and Community Based Services
June 22nd was the 27th anniversary of Olmstead Decision, which stated that people with disabilities have a legal right to live in their community. The requirement that States provide services in the most integrated setting is called the “integration mandate.” Just before the anniversary, the U.S. Department of Justice released a legal opinion that argued Olmstead never placed an integration mandate on States. The National Council on Independent Living and the American Association of People with Disabilities, and ADA Watch all released statements explaining the memo in more detail.
This memo is the Department of Justice’s interpretation of the law. It does not overturn Olmstead or change current law. It does give the federal government the permission they need to rollback these protections and not enforce Olmstead by rescinding regulations and guidance.
At the New York State Most Integrated Setting Coordinating Council (MISCC)’s quarterly meeting on June 24th, the Chief Disability Officer, the Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health all made strong statements relating to protecting Olmstead and community integration in both the state constitution and Human Rights law. They also acknowledged how troubling the memo is, along with the importance of federal protections. Our network did an incredible job making their voices heard during the public comment portion of the meeting! A great news article highlighted their calls to hear the Governor herself affirm the State’s commitment to protecting community-based supports.
After the memo was released, Congress showed their support for the right of people with disabilities to live in their community. Senate Democrats introduced a resolution calling on the Department of Justice to rescind their opinion, and both Senator Schumer and Gillibrand are co-sponsors. The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act (H.R.9401/S.4865) was introduced into both Houses with bipartisan support. The Act strengthens the right of individuals with disabilities to receive long term services and supports and live in their own community.
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The federal government has released an Interim Final Rule (IFR) detailing how the States must implement work requirements for the Medicaid program starting January 2027.
One of the most notable parts of the IFR is how it defined who qualified for the “medically fragile” exemption from work requirements. In order to qualify for an exemption, States must determine the applicant has a disabling condition and that this condition impacts the their ability to work. An FAQ from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) that explains how this IFR will impact people with disabilities can be found here.
Because of federal Medicaid cuts signed into last year, more than 400,000 New Yorkers lost Medicaid coverage on July 1st. We would like to share a resource guide that may be helpful to those who have lost coverage. NYAIL and our partners know how crucial Medicaid is and will continue advocating for our state leaders to take action and restore coverage.
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In June, a coalition of national and state organizations filed a federal lawsuit against New York State. This lawsuit argues that assisted suicide law violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by singling out people with disabilities and other vulnerable individuals, placing them at risk of premature death rather than ensuring access to care, support and suicide prevention services. Several Independent Living Centers across the State are organizational plaintiffs in this case, and NYAIL’s Advocacy and Policy Associate, José Hernández, is an individual plaintiff.
You can read more about the lawsuit here.
Policy news can be hard to keep up with – If you have questions, please reach out to our Director of Advocacy, Elizabeth McCormick. To stay updated on NYAIL’s advocacy efforts, sign up for our action alerts!
| | Events from the NYS Office of the Chief Disability Officer | | Please Join the NYS Office of the Chief Disability Officer for Disability Pride Day Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Empire State Plaza | | |
On July 8, the NYS Office of the Chief Disability Officer (CDO) is hosting its annual Disability Pride event in Albany, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The Disability Pride celebration features music from Flame the Band, opening remarks, food trucks, vendors, and much more!
Click here for more event info!
The CDO is also holding another accessible World Cup watch party on Sunday, July 19th in Westchester County. This time you’ll see the championship World Cup match! As of this newsletter, the event info has not been posted.
Visit the CDO website for more info and sign up to receive their news updates!
| | Disability Rights & Resources | | |
July 26th marks the 36th birthday of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Did you know the ADA has five sections, which are commonly referred to as titles?
Below, we’ll give you a quick breakdown of each title and what it covers.
Title I: Employment
Title I applies to all employers with 15 or more employees. It says that employers may not discriminate against job applicants or employees with disabilities in hiring, pay, promotion, leave, benefits, and all other employment activities. Title I also says that employers cannot ask about disability beyond voluntary self-identification forms.
Title II: State and Local Government Service
Title II requires that individuals with disabilities are not excluded from programs, services, employment, and activities provided by state and local governments. Examples are polling locations, public libraries, and public schools. More examples are local and state courts, town halls, and city parks, as well as public streets and public sidewalks. It also applies to government contractors. However, it does not include the federal government, which is covered by the Rehabilitation Act.
A term that comes up a lot with Title II is public entity. Generally, a public entity is a state or local government, as well as any agency, office, or department run by a state or local government.
Title III: Places of Public Accommodation
Title III covers places of public accommodation. A place of public accommodation means, for example, a store that is open to the public. In fact, it means any place that is open to the public where commerce is carried out. Additional examples are banks, restaurants, theaters, and hotels. It also includes private schools and colleges, museums, shopping malls, bowling alleys, and sports arenas, as well as spas, hospitals, and zoos. Title III also covers private transportation (Title II covers public transportation).
Title III requires that places of public accommodation not discriminate based on disability in providing goods and services. It also requires that they remove all structural and architectural barriers to accessibility if such removal is readily achievable, and that new construction and alterations of facilities must comply with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Title IV: Telecommunications
Specifically addressing the needs of people with hearing and speech disabilities, Title IV requires telephone companies to establish telecommunications relay services (TRS). It also requires closed captioning of all federally funded public service announcements.
The Federal Communications Commission enforces Title IV.
Title V: Miscellaneous
Title V has various provisions that, for the most part, apply across the other titles. It protects against retaliation, intimidation, coercion, threats, or interference with people who seek to exercise their rights, or who encourage or aid others to do so. It also protects people without disabilities if they advocate for or testify on behalf of individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, Title V mandates the following miscellaneous provisions:
- The US Access Board, an independent federal agency that enforces the Architectural Barriers Act, must create accessibility standards.
- Attorney fees may be awarded to prevailing parties in lawsuits related to the ADA.
- Federal agencies must provide technical assistance to those with rights or obligations under the ADA.
- Illegal drug use is not a disability.
- A state or local law that mandates equal or greater protection to individuals with disabilities is not superseded or limited by the ADA.
Want to learn more about the ADA? Here is a handy resource guide from the Northeast ADA Center.
| | Become a 2026 Access Partner | Partner with the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) as a 2026 Access Partner and help ensure our free monthly webinar series remains fully accessible to all. Our webinars convene advocates, Independent Living Centers, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders across New York State. Your partnership directly supports American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and live human captioning while aligning your organization with a statewide leader advancing disability rights, equity, and independent living. Contact Blaise Bryant to learn how your organization can become an Access Partner in 2026. | *Click the image to download the 2026 Access Partnership Opportunities guide and share it with community partners who believe access should always be standard, not optional. | | July Webinar : Accessible Outdoor Recreation for People with Disabilities | | |
There are many benefits and challenges to people with disabilities enjoying the outdoors. In this session, you will hear from a program coordinator in aging services, an ADA Coordinator for a state agency, and a volunteer advocate who all collaborate to improve access to the outdoors in New York State. We will provide examples of how programs, policies, and planning are improving accessibility and discuss ways disabled people can get outdoors or advocate for better access. This session will be useful for anyone who is interested in understanding outdoor accessibility or is advising others on resources for enjoying the outdoors.
Date and time: Wednesday, July 29: 1-2:30 p.m.
Presenters:
- Leah Akins, Statewide ADA Accessibility Coordinator: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
- Katy Carroll: Disability Training Coordinator, Association on Aging in New York
- Meg LeFevre Bobbin (Committee Member, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Accessibility Advisory Committee
American Sign Language and human captioning will be provided.
| | ACCESS TO INDEPENDENCE OF CORTLAND COUNTY, INC. |
Saturday, July 25th 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | |
ATI’s ADA Celebration
Join Access To Independence at Yaman Park. There will be legislative speakers, fun activities, tabling agencies, and free ice cream!
Learn More >>
| ARISE-EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY RESOURCES | Tuesday July 7th 1130 am - 12:30 pm | | |
2026 ADA March
Join ARISE-EFR as they celebrate the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act!
On Monday, July 6, we'll gather with community members, advocates, families, and allies to honor the progress made through the ADA and continue advocating for equal access and civil rights for all.
>> Learn More
| | HARLEM INDEPENDENT LIVING CENTER | Wednesday July 29, 1:00 p.m. - 4 p.m. | |
36th ADA Anniversary & Awards Ceremony
Celebrate in person as we honor 36 years of progress and impact under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This special evening will feature inspiring stories, recognition of outstanding contributions, and a celebration of the individuals and advocates who continue to advance disability rights and inclusion.
Learn More >>
| RESOURCE FOR ACCESSIBLE LIVING | Saturday July 18, 11 a.m. | | |
RCAL’s Disability Awareness Parade
Join RCAL as they celebrate inclusion, access, and independent living. The event will feature music, children's games, and community resources.
>> Learn More
| SELF-INITIATED LIVING OPTIONS, INC. | Friday July 24, 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. |
2026 ADA Celebration
Please join SILO as they celebrate this milestone with local social service agencies, educators, advocates, families, and friends.
>> Learn More
| SOUTHERN ADIRONDACK INDEPENDENT LIVING | Wednesday July 8, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | |
Take a bite in Downtown Glens Falls
Join Southern Adirondack Independent Living and the Glens Falls Collaborative in partnership with Take a Bite — enjoy everything you love about Take a Bite, including great food and downtown fun, along with music, local nonprofit organizations, and a celebration of community, unity, and accessibility for all.
Learn More >>
| WESTERN NEW YORK INDEPENDENT LIVING | Friday July 24, 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | |
Disability Pride Festival
Show your pride, celebrate inclusion, and stand together with the disability community at the Unity Walk & Roll on Friday, July 24 at 5:00 PM during the Disability Pride Festival at Buffalo Riverworks!
>> Learn More
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Join NYSILC and NYAIL for a disability community picnic this July!
Happening Thursday, July 9th, from 3 – 6 pm at the accessible Peebles Island State Park Pavilion in Cohoes, New York.
All are welcome!
We’ll have free food, drinks, and desserts provided by local vendors, as well as lawn games and activities!
Sign up at the link here by July 6th to let us know if you’d like to join us.
| | Thank you for taking the time to read the monthly newsletter from the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL). Do you have job postings, events, or suggestions to improve our newsletter? Send any information to NYAIL’s Communications Specialist Blaise Bryant. | | Share this NYAIL Newsletter using the buttons below. | |
New York Association on Independent Living
155 Washington Ave., Suite 208
Albany, NY 12210
Phone 518.465.4650 Fax 518.465.4625
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